GOP advises members how to approach companies for maximum donations at president's fundraiser.

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"When a member of Congress calls, particularly a senior member of Congress, we give that great weight," said Jeffrey H. Smith, head of lobbying at the law firm Arnold& Porter. "I don't think it's heavy-handed. It's the nature of politics these days." He added, "My impression is that many members are not a good deal more comfortable with it that we are."

Others are not so sympathetic. "Some people do find it very heavy-handed," said a lobbyist for a major local company who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of angering members of Congress. "It's certainly a lighter touch to hear from a staffer."

The GOP needs money. They know they're not doing well, and they're putting the pressure on.